‘Miracle on Ice’ team receives congressional gold medal

Members of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team received the Congressional Gold Medal after President Donald Trump signed legislation approving the honor last week.

Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., authored the bill, which passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. The Congressional Gold Medal is the oldest civilian honor awarded by Congress, and is reserved for people or groups whose achievements have had a lasting impact on the country.

The 1980 hockey team is best known for its massive upset victory over the heavily favored and fearsome Soviet Union during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The team later beat Finland to secure the gold medal, completing one of the most iconic moments in American sports history at the height of the Cold War. 

The medal recognizes the team’s “extraordinary achievement” in beating the Soviet Union despite being comprised entirely of amateur collegiate players, the bill’s text says. 

Lawmakers cited the victory’s role in lifting national morale during a period marked by global tension and domestic uncertainty. 

Stauber said the legislation was personal for him, as someone who played NCAA Division 1 men’s hockey at Lake Superior State University in Minnesota in the 1980s. 

“As a hockey guy, it was a tremendous honor to author this bill, and I thank President Trump for recognizing this extraordinary team,” Stauber told reporters. “The Miracle on Ice is the greatest sports victory in U.S. history. It continues to inspire our nation as it embodies the fighting spirit that helped win the Cold War. 

“Coach Herb Brooks and his team deserve this honor, and I thank all who supported it.” 

Twelve members of the 20-player roster were Minnesotans, the most of any state. 

Phil Verchota, who was on the team, was one of many players to attend the White House signing ceremony, and expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. 

“Being here at the White House for this signing is very meaningful to me,” Verchota said. “I’m grateful to be part of a team that continues to be remembered in this way. It’s meaningful to be in Washington for this moment, and I sincerely appreciate Congressman Stauber’s work in helping make this recognition possible. Our team is truly grateful.” 

Fewer than 200 Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded since the nation’s founding. 

Under the legislation, the country will mint three medals. One will be displayed at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, with the others going to the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.